Dear Mark Twain

Letters from His Readers

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, American
Cover of the book Dear Mark Twain by , University of California Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780520955165
Publisher: University of California Press Publication: April 21, 2013
Imprint: University of California Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780520955165
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication: April 21, 2013
Imprint: University of California Press
Language: English

A voracious pack-rat, Mark Twain hoarded his readers' letters as did few of his contemporaries. Dear Mark Twain collects 200 of these letters written by a diverse cross-section of correspondents from around the world—children, farmers, schoolteachers, businessmen, preachers, railroad clerks, inmates of mental institutions, con artists, and even a former president. It is a unique and groundbreaking book—the first published collection of reader letters to any writer of Mark Twain's time. Its contents afford a rare and exhilarating glimpse into the sensibilities of nineteenth-century people while revealing the impact Samuel L. Clemens had on his readers. Clemens’s own and often startling comments and replies are also included.

R. Kent Rasmussen’s extensive research provides fascinating profiles of the correspondents, whose personal stories are often as interesting as their letters. Ranging from gushing fan appreciations and requests for help and advice to suggestions for writing projects and stinging criticisms, the letters are filled with perceptive insights, pathos, and unintentional but often riotous humor. Many are deeply moving, more than a few are hilarious, some may be shocking, but none are dull.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A voracious pack-rat, Mark Twain hoarded his readers' letters as did few of his contemporaries. Dear Mark Twain collects 200 of these letters written by a diverse cross-section of correspondents from around the world—children, farmers, schoolteachers, businessmen, preachers, railroad clerks, inmates of mental institutions, con artists, and even a former president. It is a unique and groundbreaking book—the first published collection of reader letters to any writer of Mark Twain's time. Its contents afford a rare and exhilarating glimpse into the sensibilities of nineteenth-century people while revealing the impact Samuel L. Clemens had on his readers. Clemens’s own and often startling comments and replies are also included.

R. Kent Rasmussen’s extensive research provides fascinating profiles of the correspondents, whose personal stories are often as interesting as their letters. Ranging from gushing fan appreciations and requests for help and advice to suggestions for writing projects and stinging criticisms, the letters are filled with perceptive insights, pathos, and unintentional but often riotous humor. Many are deeply moving, more than a few are hilarious, some may be shocking, but none are dull.

More books from University of California Press

Cover of the book A Taste of Power by
Cover of the book In Search of Soul by
Cover of the book Unorthodox Kin by
Cover of the book Writing the Silences by
Cover of the book New Philadelphia by
Cover of the book A Free Will by
Cover of the book On Russian Music by
Cover of the book Understanding Jihad by
Cover of the book The Darjeeling Distinction by
Cover of the book Human Impacts on Seals, Sea Lions, and Sea Otters by
Cover of the book Unequal Childhoods by
Cover of the book Earth's Insights by
Cover of the book Ancient Greek Epigrams by
Cover of the book Gaza by
Cover of the book Migra! by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy